Field Tests
cont'd: The Generic Rat can also be left in place on top of the water and twitched. It does not create as much commotion in this type of retrieve as other, larger wake baits, but it does spin around and splash a little. I liked it best on a slow, steady retrieve.

Here is the three inch version of the solid (no joint) Generic Rat...

... and this is the Deep Diving Rat.

Durability: I didn’t catch enough fish on this bait to really test its durability, but at the same time I didn’t run into any issues. The one weak point on this bait may be the tail. Since it is soft plastic, it stands to reason this component will eventually get ripped off , break in half, or something. Otherwise, given the compact nature of this bait and the fact it only has a single, heavy gauge hook, there’s not much to really go wrong.

Each and every bait from Rago Baits is signed by Jerry himself.

What a difference an inch makes comparing the Sewer Rat (left) to the Original (right).

Availability: The Rago Original Generic Rat is once again being produced in good numbers by the one and only Jerry Rago. The original version bait and all its associated permutations are available at both TackleWarehouse.com and MonsterFishingTackle.com.

No need to call the exterminator, these are the types of rats we can live with!

Especially when they call up fish like this!

Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):

Conclusion: One might think that a review on such a legendary bait is already a foregone conclusion, but sometimes products just don’t live up to expectations. The Rago Original Generic Rat is rather unremarkable in the package. It has a very simple, straightforward appearance, the color schemes are just as simplistic, it only has a single hook, and there are no extraordinary details on the bait itself. Those unfamiliar with the following this bait has fostered probably wouldn’t give it a second look if they saw it on a peg board in their favorite tackle store.

Just a few cranks of the handle and WHAM!

But, tie one on, toss it out, watch it swim back, and look out! The action of this bait screams of crazy explosions and vacuum assisted toilet bowl flushes and when you actually experience one, well, then you will understand and be party to the following the Original Generic Rat has built.

A healthy Delta striper courtesy of the Original Generic Rat.

Second chances don’t come around very often. We spoke with Jerry Rago prior to this review and he shared with us his plans for at least twenty new baits in the not too distant future. He’s back alright, and back with a new found dedication. So before one of these new baits takes off and has him scrambling to keep up with demand again, you might consider getting yourself an Original Rat or two or three to build your stockpile before they once again fade off into legend.